Chapter 13- Slayer Scrolls
Chapter 10- Chrissy/Borazon and Samuel
Day 5 evening New Business
Road to Falls Creek
It was getting towards early evening when Borazon started to look for something by the lake they were travelling next too. A short while later he saw an old, cracked boulder that looked like a giant snail and headed for it.
"Where are we going?" Samuel asks as he sees his grandfather leaving the road.
"Around this rock is a good place to set up camp. I used it many times back when I was a Stormcloak." Borazon tells him as they move around a large bolder.
"Are you sure there is still lots of light." Samuel remarks as he watches the sun.
"Here will be good. Rain is coming." Borazon says as he directs them under a over cropping that hid the dry land with ivy making for a good shelter.
"Chrissy won't see us here." Samuel interjects.
"I don't think she'll be down this way for a while. You heard that back there." Borazon says as he starts setting up camp.
"You don't think she's…" Samuel started to cry.
"I think we will see her just not tonight." Borazon firmly answers. "She is a survivor. Now let's set up camp. I hope you didn't give Chrissy all those javafa beans."
"No. I know you like them too." Samuel says as he starts unloading their camping supplies.
"We should do a low fire tonight." Borazon remarks as he glances out over the lake.
"You think what ever made that sound might see the fire?" Samuel asks as he gathers small driftwood.
"That or others." Borazon remarks as he starts lifting some of the larger driftwood pieces to create a makeshift wall.
Samuel builds a small fire with high rocks around it to hide the little light it put off. Borazon uses his new axe to cut several pieces of the larger wood making type of door for their little hideaway for the three. Nelly lays down and watches the two humans work as she munches on all the greens inside the little hide away. When Borazon is done with the large part of the walls, he takes mud and other debris to fill in any areas where light might be seen through. Just before the rain starts all three were protected from the elements and being seen.
Samuel warmed up some of their food and small amount of the jaffa beans while Borazon at first went to smoke some his Maryweed but choose not to as he wanted to have a clear head if anything happened.
"What if the Jarls nephew has become Jarl?" Samuel asks.
"If it is who I think it is we shouldn't have a problem if we don't let them know how much gold we have or that I was a Stormcloak." Borazon answers.
"Why?"
"He loves gold and supports the empire." Borazon tells him as he drinks some of the warm jaffa beans juice that Samuel had given him.
"Should we hide some?"
"Funny you should ask." Borazon says as he walks over to the largest part of the boulder they were using as the back wall with a crack in it and reaches in and pulls out a couple of small bags of gold.
"You hid that before?"
"Not me. That orc who killed your parents did. It was in the journal he left. He had quite a few stashes around. I just knew what he was talking about when he wrote about this place. See this mark." Borazon says as he points to faint marks that just look like three lines crossing each other making a total of 6.
"Yes."
"That's how he marks where they were."
"You think we should leave some here?"
"Yes, and some of the other nicer stuff. Like my axe and your knife." Borazon tells him.
"Why?" Samuel squeaks not wanting to part with his gift from Chrissy.
"We should be there by tomorrow evening, and we don't want to come in looking like we are trouble or a threat. That way we can find out the situation. If all is good, we can come back and get them."
"You think that if the nephew has become jarl he will try and take them?"
"This is a very rare axe. My strength is increased even if it's on my back and it is made out of a metal I haven't seen in years. It's called Ebony. It is very expensive. Your gift is worth a lot. I am sure you won't want someone to take it."
"No sir."
"So, we go in with just this old sword and wood axe for me. You can carry this steel knife for defense. Our camping gear, pickaxe and a little bit of gold." Borazon says as he hands Samuel his old knife.
"In the morning we should change into those plain clothes you kept." Samuel suggests. "We still can keep these clothes and cloaks we just roll them up in our bed rolls."
"That's a very good idea. But I think that Nelly should leave her armor too."
"Yeah, we won't want it to get stolen. What about all the food we have."
"We leave most of the stuff that won't spoil too quickly. I'll leave his journal too."
"How does he feel about Talos?"
"I don't know."
"We shouldn't show these." Samuels says as he holds the amulet he was wearing.
"That is true. I want you to pick as much as you can of the herbs long the way."
"You want people to think we are merchants or suppliers for herbalists?"
"Chrissy suggested that it would be a good way to earn money and be more welcome to areas."
"She is right many herbalists don't have a steady supply. They also keep busy with their potion testing so it's hard for them to collect what they need." Samuel says. "We should keep our packs to that way Nelly's cart can be full of herbs and people won't look to close."
"Looks like we are in the herb merchant business for now. Sound good to you?" Samuel just happily agrees with a big smile causing Borazon to ruffle the boy's hair. "What about you raising horses?"
"I guess that will just have to wait for now. Anyways if we find a place, I can raise horses and you grow herbs, and we will sell them together. But for now, we just travel to Falls Creek and you pick the herbs."
"Okay." Samuel says with a yawn.
"You understand I don't know much about herbs you will have to do most of the talking to the herblist."
"I don't know if I can."
"I know you can. I saw how you told Chrissy all about herbs and what they are used for. Just think of Chrissy when you get nervous."
"How about I think of her and you. You both are great warriors."
"Whatever helps. Don't lie just keep to the bare minimum."
"Why?"
"Because one the truth is easiest to keep straight and two we don't know what's happening there."
"Okay."
"Go to sleep."
"What about you?" Samuel says as he wraps up in his cloak than climbs into his bedroll with his glass knife hidden in the folds.
"I am going to stay up a bit."
"Can we pray to Talos to help keep Chrissy and us safe?" Samuel asks.
Grandfather, grandson and even the goat bow their heads "Blesseded Talos by your mighty will and great strength may you keep my family and our friend Chrissy safe this eve. Blessed Talos." Borazon and Samuel say together.
After their short prayer Borazon makes sure to tuck his grandson in. He even gives a slight smile when Nelly comes over and lays right next to the boy. The large man than wraps up in his own cloak with axe at the ready.
It was late when Borazon finally fell asleep just as the rain stopped. Thankfully the night came and went without any issues that they were aware of. Little did they know that their hidey hole saves them from a fate that a few bandits suffered at the hands of some vampires not too far from where they rest.
"I am tired of this.." One young male fledgling hissed in distain as he drops the lifeless body of a female bandit.
"Oh, quit your complaining, Malifoy. We get to feed on humans as long as we are searching for chosen one." A female vampire says as she licks the blood off her fingers.
"You have no taste, Selfinly. Anyway, what's so special about this chosen one. There is nothing living that can be a threat to all vampires." Malifoy scoffs in disbelief.
"The Seer says that the Chosen can either be our salvation or complete destruction." An old male vampire sneers at him.
"I just wish we could have humans that isn't a Bandit." Malifoy complains.
"These are far better than the pigs sold to us by the farmer and other animals we were only allowed to feed on. So why are you complaining?" Sefinly asks.
"These bandits taste bad."
"They aren't just bandits they are addicts. Enough with your bickering. We are only allowed for now those that will not be missed and no one from Falls Creek you heard our First Blood Jarls orders." The older vampire says as he kicks some small empty vials.
"This is not right we are Vampires! We should be able to feed on any human we want when we want. They are food to us."
"Careful of what you say. Child."
"Why do we cater to him?" Malifoy demands.
"He is our Jarl." Selfinly slips in.
"He cares more about the people of Falls Creek then he does us." Malifoy spat.
"You fool he cares about there always being plenty of food for us. Have you also forgotten that they are our blood!"
"No, I have not but how is saving them making sure we have plenty of food when we are forced to drink pig's blood at the castle and only occasional human bandits. Then I won't even speak of the foul-tasting elves' blood we feed upon when they try to invade our land through their supposed secret tunnels they keep trying to dig and we destroy!"
"Even I know this. Our Blood Jarl was the Jarl of Falls Creek when it was first founded it by his word that as long as there is one of his bloods as Jarl he will protect it."
"He is training us to live on all types of blood that way if the humans' populations is low from their war, we don't finish them off completely. While other vampires only feed on human blood they will weaken and die off while we will have a supply of not only human blood, but we have already trained our bodies to not just survive on other blood but thrive.
"We could j….."
"If you continue that thought I will personally rip your throat out." The older vampire warned as he had Malifoy by the throat. "You are still too young to understand."
"Understand what?" Malifoy squeaks out.
"That he is protecting our food supply." The old one snarls in the fledgling's face then tosses him out towards the road. "Foolish child you have no self-control."
"I smell something." Malifoy says as he sniffs the air. "It's a male human and a boy. They smell clean."
"I just smell goat." Selfinly says argumentatively as she steps out on to the road only to be attacked by fire from the sky.
"By the nine it's a DRAGON! Run!" The old one yells but Malifoy is at first too frightened to move but just as his legs start to move the flames plummet down from the dark creature incinerating him. The old one runs but he is the next to feel the heat of death. A few steps later there is a new pile of dust on the ground. The black figure in the sky seeks the area for a new target when it doesn't see any it flies away.
Day 6 morning
Hidey Hole
Just before sunrise Borazon wakes and starts to put the camping supplies back into the cart after he adds just enough fuel to the fire to warm some meat and Jaffa beans juice. Samuel wakes and helps with breakfast without complaint. Once they have eaten the get to work on the plan, they had discussed the night before. They change into plain tunics and pants with linen cloaks then role their nicer clothes and cloaks into their bedrolls and place them on the bottom of Nelly's cart. After the bedrolls are in position Borazon hitches Nelly up while Samuel adds simple supplies of travels to her cart. Once they are satisfied with the packing the rest of the items are hidden away in the crack. Samuel's knife and Borazon's war axe are the last to go in. After everything is in place Borazon packs the crack with debris to create a better hiding spot. They then leave their little makeshift shelter and get back on the road. All the way back to the road Borazon covers their tracks to the hidey hole.
"Ow!" Samuel cries out as he steps onto the road.
"What is it son?"
"I stepped on something." Samuel answers as falls on his butt clutching his foot.
Borazon walks over to his grandson and looks at the boy's foot and finds a half-melted gold brooch and quickly pulls it out. "What the? Where did?" He asks while he looks around and sees other items on the ground in burnt areas that were not there the night before.
"Look grandpa. I found some gold coins." Samuels says as he finds a half-burnt bag of coins.
"Looks like there is some gold and sword along with a few gems. Let's gather this but hide it in Nelly's pack." Borazon says as he examines the charred marks.
"Grandpa this dust looks like the same dust the vampires left behind that Chrissy killed. Do you think she killed these one's too?" Samuel asks as he picks up a gold ring, a silver knife, then collects some of the vampire dust in one of the old mead bottles he had collected.
"No, it wasn't her, but you are right it was vampires." Borazon says as he picks up a half-burnt vampire armor.
"How do you know it is her. She kills vampires this could be her." Samuel rebuts as he shows the knife to his grandfather as if to ask. "May I, have it?"
"Look at the scorch marks that is caused by fire. Chrissy uses sharp weapons not fire. Plus, she would have taken all this stuff." Borazon answers while he nods his head to "yes you may but hide it." than says. "By the lengthen and the angle of the marks I would almost say that the flame from above. Let's get going I don't like this."
The three traveled together mostly quietly as they kept a watchful eye. Samuel collects the herbs, mushrooms, and a few bugs. While Borazon would watch the surroundings and even glance towards the sky.
"Why are you collecting the bugs child?" Borazon asks.
"Some potions use them." Samuel answers as he places one in one of the empty meads bottles, he had cleaned out.
"Seems I have a lot to learn. Well, I guess letting you keep those mead bottles paid off." Borazon off handily remarks.
"Momma taught me not waste anything as it all has value."
"She was a smart woman."
Falls Creek
Day 6 early evening
It was just before the gate closed that they arrived in Falls Creek. And already Borazon was not liking the looks of things. The town seemed almost deserted, there wasn't anyone milling around or even refugees.
"What is wrong Grandpa?" Samuel asks.
"The last time I was here was to put a friend to rest in the large cemetery but even then, it was livelier than it is now. Something seems off." Borazon remarks as they approach the stables.
"Who goes there?" A gruff voice in the shadows of the stables asks.
"Hail Stablemaster I am Borazon and this is my grandson we are humble herb merchants and seek a place to rest ourselves and our goat."
"I am Gruffnar. I will charge you 10 gold a day that includes food and water for the animal. The Deadmen's drink is the only place in town to get food and rest."
"Thank you. Say is Dareniton still jarl?" Borazon inquires as they enter the stable and start to unhitch Nelly.
"No, his nephew Sidgeer just took over this week." Gruffnar says as he points to where to but Nelly.
"I am surprised there is no celebration going on."
"The hunters aren't back yet."
"I hope Dareniton is alright."
"He stepped down due to age, but he is still a Thane here." Gruffnar remarks as he throws some hay in Nelly's manger.
"Thank, you." Borazon says as he hands Gruffnar the gold.
"Sir is your herbalist still open?" Samuel asks.
"Yeah, that would be Zira at Grave Concoctions. She's usually up pretty late." Gruffnar tells them as he puts Nelly into a stall with her cart next to it.
"Thank you. Grandpa we should take the herbs to her right away." Samuel says.
"Okay. Gruffnar is the blacksmith still open?" Borazon asks as he helps his grandson take the bags of herbs out of the cart.
"Yeah. That would be Lotz. He'll be closing shortly."
"Thanks again." Borazon says as he also takes the armor.
The two find Lotz working just getting ready to shut down for the night.
"Hail Blacksmith."
"What can I do for you?"
"I was traveling here and found this and thought we could sell it." Borazon says as he shows him the vampire armor.
"This is vampire armor." Lotz remarks in disbelief while recognizing the sharp design and crest of the Blood queen on it. "You killed a vampire?"
"No sir I have not. We were traveling down the road from River Run and found it."
"I wonder how it got so burnt?" Lotz asks as he looks it over.
"Would you like to buy it?"
"I'll take it, but I can't go hire then 200 gold."
"Vampire armor goes for 500. So, let's say 400. It is old which makes it rare."
"Old yes but burnt. 250 no more.."
"250 than it is. Where might we find Grave Concoctions?" Borazon asks.
"Two doors down on the right." Lotz answers as he gives Borazon the gold.
"Thank you, sir.
Borazon and Samuel head down to the shop and are greeted by a beautiful dark tone female warrior mage.
"Can I help you?" Zira asks as she eyes the two strangers who walked in. She knew her wards prevented the unnatural from entering but there was always the natural evil that existed. Not wanting to damage her shop her hand gently tapped the handle of her morning star that was hidden under the desk she was behind.
"Hi, my name is Samuel and well actually we might be able to help you." Samuel says with a small smile.
"Really and how is that?" Zira asks as she senses that the boy meant no harm and that the large man behind Samuel was only there to protect him.
"Well, my mother was an herbalist like yourself until a little over a month ago and she taught me everything she knew about herbs. She told me the only problem that most herbalist have is keeping their supply."
"This is true."
"Well, my grandfather and I are traveling suppliers. We just help to stock up Genny in River Run and thought that you might be interested in purchasing the herbs, mushrooms and bugs we have collected." Samuel nervously tells her.
"Aren't you the little businessman. Well let's see what you have?" Zira says as she goes over to the bags, they brought in. "Most of this grows around here and I pick it. Wait what is this powder?"
"Vampire dust." Samuel answers.
"How did you get it and is there more?"
"We came across some burnt vampires." Borazon tells her.
"I only had two mead bottles to collect it with." Samuel tells her.
"I'll take the Vampire Dust, those mushrooms. Nice you caught a firebug they are good to use in night eye potions. Let's see ahh yes… Nice quality on the cotton here." Zira says as she looks at their herbs. You got some of the frogs beath mushrooms. I would love some more but I don't' have time to gather some.
"Well, we might be able to stay around and gather some for you say at 5 gold per large piece." Samuel says.
"I pay by quality not amount. But on low quality I only pay as low as 3 to start."
"Okay. Is there anything else we can pick for you while we are close?" Samuel asks.
"I'll write you a list. Say if I give you some empty bottles and a wood crate to carry them in could you go and get some more of that vampire dust?" Zira asks as she pulls out some parchment, ink well and quill.
Samuel looks at his grandfather as if to ask. "May we?" Borazon nods his head yes to the unspoken question.
"Alright."
"There are some bottles just outside around the corner. You can pick them up in the morning." Zira says as she writes a list for him.
It didn't take long for her to buy everything they brought, and they were off to the Inn.
"I am glad we are going back to get the dust." Samuel says as they stop at the rain barrel below the Inn.
"You are just wanting to go back that way to see if Chrissy is coming yet." Borazon says with a smirk.
"Yes, I am worried. First that strange sound than the vampires." Samuel remarks as he looks up at his grandfather.
"So am I. Remember though what she said she is. But let's keep that to ourselves. There may be something listening." Borazon says as they wash up at the rain barrel.
Samuel just nods his head as he looks around while his grandfather washes up. When Borazon was done Samuel took his turn washing so that his grandfather could watch the area for trouble. Once they were done, they headed inside. Inside both go directly to the fire pit and warm up a bit while checking out the different people in the Inn.
"Find us a table and I'll see about a place to sleep and some food." Borazon instructs Samuel.
"Why don't we eat what we already have?"
"Because we may need that for the road. Plus, inn keepers are usually more talkative when you purchase not just a room but food and drink." Borazon tells him then heads for the bar.
Samuel nods his head as he finds a table and chairs not too far from the fire pit in a corner so that his grandfather can keep an eye on things.
"Welcome to Dead Man's Drink. I am Valga. We got food for the hungry and drink for the thirsty."
"Any specials?" Borazon says with a flirty smile.
"Not much in way of meat." Valga says as she eyes him with a look of lust. "We are waiting for some hunters to resupply us. So, we are down to Rabbit stew for 5 gold, or we have just roast chicken for 10 gold, both come with a side of bread and butter. Drinks are extra. If you want cheap, we have vegetable stew for 2 gold no bread.
"Is the roast Chicken the whole bird or parts?" Borazon says as he glances a little long at her plump breasts that were barely covered.
"Whole." Valga answers as she leans up to give him more of a view of her breasts.
"I'll take two rabbit stew to start and a roast chicken. What do you have for drinks?" Borazon asks as he does his best to change his view on her face.
"A few various meads and some whine."
"I am with my grandson what might you have for a kid?"
"We have some goats and cow milk for 2 gold. Water is free."
"By chance do you serve any Hot ciders or Hot jaffa beans juice?"
"We have some hot apple ciders for 2 gold but never heard of jaffa beans."
"Would food be included with a room?"
"No. Floor space is 5 a night while a bed is 15. A room to yourself is 50."
"I'll take one room for myself and my grandson. And a pitcher of water and two hot ciders along with the food."
"So, I take it you are new to Falls Creek."
"Yeah, my grandson and I are traveling merchants."
"What do you sell?"
"Mostly herbs and sometimes furs and inters but only those when wolves attack us."
"So, you have some wolf meat?"
"No sold it back at River Run."
"We have been short on large meat."
"Why? Game looks good around here. I saw a few nice size elks."
"Our main hunters haven't returned. And the jarl's hunters give him the best meats."
"My grandson and I are going to be around for a couple of days how much to rent a room for those days?"
"Same price but I can't guarantee a room unless you pay in advance. What will you guys be doing?"
"We'll be out collecting herbs. if by chance I managed to bring down some elk or wolves, would you be interested in purchasing it or trading?"
"If you get elk I can't buy unless the jarl steward picks the best pieces first but if we trade, they can't." Valga informs him.
"Tell you want I pay for tonight in gold if I bring back an elk or large deer I get to keep the same room for a least a week."
"Bring me an elk a week and it's yours as long as you are here."
"That's for the meat only and include one meal and one drink a day for me and my grandson and we have a deal.
"What will you do with the rest?"
"Sell it to the blacksmith or work it myself."
"Which meal?"
"Dinner."
"Fine. You drive a hard bargain."
"So, what happened with Dareniton being jarl. I knew him years ago. He seemed like a good jarl."
"He may remember you, but his memory hasn't been the same lately. I should warn you his mind isn't what it used to be. He blabs on about waking the Blood Jarl."
"What is a Blood Jarl?"
"Old legend around these parts. Of the founding Jarl mating with the vampire queen and becoming a vampire. Some say he did to be Jarl forever. And to boot Dareniton thinks that there was a plot to have him removed because he supports Ulfark while Sidgeer supports the empire. And that is why he woke the Blood Jarl."
"Thanks for the warning. How does Sidgeer feel about Talos?"
"As long as you don't openly do it, he doesn't care. Most go to the shrine of Talos between here and River run to worship."
"That is good to know."
"Rumor has it that there has been an increase in supposed vampire attacks."
"I wonder why?"
"No one knows."
"Could they be the reason that the courier hasn't been to River Run?"
"That might be we haven't had one here in a while either."
"Well, someone must be doing something about it."
"Why do you say that?"
"On our way here, we came across the remains of 3 vampires."
"How can you be sure those things turn to dust."
"Found some old burnt vampire armor in one of the piles."
"Might have been the Dust Riders I heard they were reforming it."
"What are the Dust Riders?" Borazon asks.
"Old vampire hunters." Valga answers.
"I don't know there were no other tracks."
"Did you find anything else with the armor."
"Just the gold I am paying you with."
"Here are your drinks I'll have Narri deliver your order in a few. I'll just need to warm it up a bit."
"Thank you." Borazon says as he puts the gold on the counter just before he picks up his drinks and heads for his grandson.
"Heard any gossip be sure to share it with me." Valga says as she watches Borazons ass as he is walking away.
"Anything?" Samuel asks Borazon.
"There has been an increase in vampire attacks. And if you remember the ones that attacked us dared to come out during the day." Borazon says as he hands his grandson a mug of hot cider and sits down. "There is also a legend of the first Jarl of this place sleeping with a vampire queen to be jarl forever."
"What about the jarl?"
"I don't know if he cares or not about the attacks, but you were right about not showing. He is okay with private worship but no open."
"Maybe there won't be as many attacks now that those three are gone."
"Let's not take any chances. We should be able to retrieve the dust you want and a few of our things tomorrow."
"Then what?"
"We gather the stuff on the list over the next few days. We should try and be back here before dark. I managed to secure our lodging along with one meal and drink a day for us for a week if I bring back an elk a week."
"The whole elk?"
"No. I can either tan the hide for myself or sell it to the smith."
"We can sell the horns to Zira. What about your friend?"
"Seems his memory isn't what it used to be. I'll check in on him later."
"Shor's bones! A handsome man in Falls Creek." Narri the barmaid says as she approaches their table and places their food in front of them.
"Grandpa got game." Samuel quietly mutters causing his grandfather to slightly blush and give a gentle smile.
"My grandson is a little young for you, my lady." Borazon smiles causing Samuel to turn red as the voluptuous blonde woman turns to him and winks.
The evening went quiet and peaceful for the two as they ate. When they had finished their meal Borazon smoked some of his maryweed.
"Hi I am Lavinia." A little blonde girl in a light blue tunic dress says as she walks up to Samuel.
"Hi I am Samuel."
"Your new here."
"Yeah."
"Want to play? I have cards." Lavinia says as she shows him a deck of oval playing cards.
Samuel looks at his grandfather who just smiles and says, "Go ahead."
For the next few hours, the two play cards while Borazon watches, that is until older version of Lavinia comes in looking for her.
"Lavinia it's time to go home and go to bed."
"Oh but mom.. I have a friend now."
"You can play with him later. Now come."
"Yes mom. Thank Samuel I had fun."
"So, did I. See you later."
"Hope she wasn't a bother."
"No ma am it was nice seeing Samuel just being a kid." Borazon replies with a dragged gentle smile.
"Well goodnight.
"Good night. I think the lady is right it is time for bed son."
"Yes grandpa." Samuel says as they both pick up their belongings and head for their room.
Morning Day 7- Borazon and Samuel
Road to Hidey Hole
The morning came quickly for them. They spent little time eating and after getting Nelly and the bottles they then headed back out of the same gate they come in the day before.
"What time does the gate close usually?" Borazon asks the Gate Warden.
"Dusk. And I won't open for no one no matter the reason." The Gate Warden warned.
"Thanks, we will be sure to try and make it back before then."
After travelling for some time Samuel spoke up. "Grandpa. It will be a strain on Nelly if we bring more than elk with us back. We might think about adding another goat cart or a horse with a cart."
"You are right. I was thinking the same thing. We shouldn't buy them both at the same time."
"Why?" Samuel asks as he puts of mushrooms into a bag on Nelly's cart.
"Showing off too much gold could make us targets." Borazon answers as he looks around the area for any signs of tracks.
"True."
"We won't make it back before dark if we go all the way to our spot."
"That is true we'll stay there another night. I might even make the wall stronger."
"You are afraid that more vampires might show up."
"Yes."
"I was thinking about that. I picked some wolfvane and can put it around the area that should block our sent from them and werewolves. I might even plant some if we are going to keep using that place."
"I didn't believe in vampires until recently because I never saw one. But now I think we should always keep the Wolfvane on us. That's a good idea.
"If you get an elk, I can use some of the hide for wolfvane bags."
"You want us to carry a large bag of the stuff?"
"No silly we wear a small bag of it with our amulet of Talos."
"You are full of good ideas…" Borazon says as he ruffles Samuel's hair who tries to duck away but fails.
The trip back to their hidey hole was uneventful until they reached the vampire dust. While Samuel went about collecting the dust Borazon smelt an all too familiar stench.
"Wait here." Borazon says as he goes to investigate it. Borazon finds the bandit camp and the remains of the Bandits the vampires had killed two nights before.
"Grandpa?" Samuel asks as he slowly approaches where his grandfather had gone with his knife unsheathed.
"Come here Samuel." Borazon orders, knowing that even though he wanted to shelter the boy it was best not to as they were living on the road.
"What is it? Oh, by Talos! What did that to them?" Samuel asks in a strange sense of horror but true wonderment at the dried husks of what looked like humans.
"I think it was the vampires." Borazon answers as he glances around checking each one of them.
"Where they hunters?" Samuel asks as he stares at the dry up husks of what were once humans.
"Not by the looks of things. All the hunters I know wouldn't be wearing this." Borazon says as he looks at some of the armor. "But this does give me an idea."
"What?"
"We take their armor and stuff. Then bury the bodies and take over their camp. We can use the tanning rack and tents as cover for our place as it's not that far from it."
"I see. That way if someone comes looking for our stuff, they'll find this place which we can keep slightly stocked while we keep our good stuff over at the other place." Samuel says as he goes to help his grandfather.
After they had removed the armor Samuel started a small fire in the camp pit and went through their items. Borazon with the help of Nelly and her cart hall the bodies a short distance away. It was starting to get late when Borazon returns to find Samuel sitting by the fire making some bags some leather straps him found.
"Well, what did you find?" Borazon asks as he sits next to Samuel.
"Not much as these bandits were addicts." Samuel says in disgust as he shows Borazon an empty bottle. "I did find a little gold, some pieces of leather, along with some leather tools, sewing kit, and a sharpening stone in the chest over there between the tents."
"I will never understand why people do that. Borazon remarks as he takes a drink of the jaffa beans juice that Samuel had going on the small fire. "Well with the armor and weapons they had we should make a little bit of gold. Those arrows are going to come in handy."
"You should be careful with the maryweed." Mom said people could get hook to it just as much as the bad stuff."
"I will. It's starting to get late. We should move our stuff…Wait where is?" Borazon asks as he doesn't see his pack.
"It's already there and I already spread and replanted some Wolfvane over there. Plus, there is a fire going there. I figure we eat here than head over. By then this fire will be out and the other almost out." Samuel tells him just before they eat.
"Alright then let's put this one out and head over." Borazon says after he is finished eating as he stands up and starts kicking dirt onto what was left of the fire.
Borazon doesn't touch their tracks until they are about to go to their hidey hole then he proceeds to hide them until they are out of the site of the road. Inside their hidey hole Borazon smiles with relief as he finds his Axe and the items had not been touched.
"How are we going to explain our weapons to the people if they ask?" Samuel asks as he adds just a few more small pieces of wood to the fire.
"With the truth just not all of it." Borazon answers as he sits down on his bedroll and cloak that Samuel had laid out for him.
"Huh?"
"We explain how we found the bandits. I got their heads. Though I don't know if there is a bounty on them. And then tell people we got them from bandits."
"So, we let them think we got them from these bandits when we had them all long and got them from other bandits."
"Yeah."
"What about the bounty on the other bandits we killed?"
"I don't think the jarl here will pay for those so let's not tell anyone about them just yet."
"Okay."
"Let's get some rest for the night. You have herbs to get, and I have an elk to hunt."
"Can we say another prayer to Talos?"
"Of course. Blessed Talos thank you for your protection of ourselves and our friends may it continue this night. Blessed Talos." Borazon says as all three again had bowed their heads.
"Do you think we will see Chrissy?"
"I don't know but go to sleep. Good night."
"Good night." Samuel says as he lays his head on his pack and Nelly comes and lays next him with her head on his stomach.
It would seem that Talos's protection continues that night for the three because not to long after they had fallen asleep a creature runs down the road sniffing. It goes to the bandit camp but doesn't find anyone. It becomes confused as it knows that there should be living humans, but it could not locate them. It paces from the camp to the road several times as it kept losing their scent back on the road. Needing to hunt the creature spots a strange purple deer and chases after it which leads it far from the sleeping company.
Morning Day 6- Borazon and Samuel
"If we keep using this place, I better buy a bucket just for it so this doesn't attract things or people we don't want here." Borazon gruffly thinks as he was the first to rise and go outside and relieve himself. While he was outside Samuel woke and restarted the fire. By the time he was done Borazon had returned. Samuel took out with Nelly with Borazon watching to make sure they were okay. When Samuel and Nelly returned, they packed up but left most of the gold. On their way back Borazon was able to get a good size elk which made him even more sure that he was going to find a horse as Nelly struggles most of the way back with the weight. They had managed to make good time and got back by early evening.
"You came back! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Lavinia cried as she ran up to Samuel as he entered the town and hugged him making the boy a little uncomfortable causing his grandfather to just smile.
"That's a fine-looking Elk you got. If you are selling it the jarl will more than likely buy it from you and he usually gets first choice." The stablemaster remarks as they walk by the stable.
"It's a trade to the Inn."
"All of it?"
"Just the meat."
"Say if I could see about making you a deal like that for your goat."
"This is kind of heavy why don't we talk when I drop her off." Borazon says as he points to the elk on his shoulder.
"Okay."
"Samuel why don't you take care of business at the Herb shop while I take in the elk here."
"Yes sir."
"Oh, can I come?" Lavinia sweetly asks.
"Sure." Samuel says with a shrug as he pulls a very tired Nelly to the Herb shop.
Lavinia squeals in delight as she starts talking a mile a minute about everywhere she looked for him as they head to the shop. Borazon just gives a slight chuckle before he enters the Inn with the elk.
"Valga!" Borazon calls out as he doesn't see anyone around.
"Ahh you are back and with a very nice-looking elk. Why don't we take that downstairs and I'll have my husband deal with it." Valga says as she points to the stairs for the basement she had come up. "You can put it on the cutting table."
"Just remember I want the hide, brains and horns." Borazon says when he comes back up from dropping off the elk.
"No problem. You had me a little worried when you didn't come back yesterday."
"Yeah well, we went back to gather the rest of the vampire dust and found some of their victims. If you can call them that."
"What? How can you say something like that?"
"They were bandits that were addicts."
"Oh. I know about them they've been robbing worshipers of Talos who have been going to his shrine to worship."
"Is there a bounty on them?"
"Yeah, but it's a low bounty. The new jarl didn't feel that they were worth the trouble as they hadn't killed anyone." Valga says as she pours him some water. "The Stewart is the one you'll want to see to collect the bounty on them.
"Okay thanks." Borazon says as he drinks the glass. "I better go get cleaned up and take care of that."
Borazon just finishes washing up when Samuel comes walking by with Nelly on their way to the stables. "How did it go?"
"She bought everything and wants more if we can. Though I think Nelly needs a good rest. That was a large haul this time."
"Agreed."
"Ahh it's good to see you." Gruffnar says as they approach the stables.
"Good to see you too."
"Now about that deal."
"Yes. What are you thinking?"
"What's your deal with Valga?"
"Private room and 1 meal a day 1 drink included for myself and my grandson for a week for each elk I bring in."
"Okay. I can give you a similar deal for your goat."
"Does anyone have another goat or a horse for sale as this one can't carry all that weight by herself.?"
"You are in luck I had this mare here for sale." Gruffnar says as he walks over to a far stall that held a dirty, average size, palomino mare. "She doesn't look like much because her previous owner died, and she was left unattended to for several weeks."
Borazon gently goes into the stall with the mare as he can see how nervous she was. All the while speaking to her softly.
"Easy girl.. That's it.. I am just going to look at your teeth… Nice such a good girl… Now why don't you let me see your feet." Borazon says as he first checks her teeth then her feet all the while the mare watches him.
"See she is a good buy say 500 gold."
"Well, that depends on if you call an older horse that looks like she's about ready to die a good buy." Borazon angerly says. "She was not taken care of for months not weeks. It will take a special diet to get weight back on her."
"How would you know?"
"I used to work for the Fearomen in Riften." Borazon tells him.
"Damn I've heard of him. He was considered one of the greatest stablemasters. What ever happened to him?"
"He was murdered by bandits pretending to be Legionnaires." Borazon tells him flatly.
"Fine I will sell her to you for 400 gold."
"You will sell her to me for 300 gold and you will use the extra 100 I give you for the list of food for her to eat."
"Now wait a minute."
"If you want to have fresh meat you will take the deal." Borazon flatly informs him.
"Fine but I want the next elk and not just the meat."
"I keep the horns my grandson gets them first."
"Agreed."
"Agreed. Now the elk I'll provide will provide a stall for Nelly with food and a stall for.. now what's her name?"
"I don't know just been calling her nag. Sure, they can share a stall."
"No, they cannot. At least not at first. And Nag is not a name." Borazon says as he looks into the horses' eyes. "Ember it will be. Now you will need to get cabbage, carrots, apples, and lots of hay. Oats and corn if anyone grows it around here. And lastly maple syrup."
"Why in the name of the nine do you need syrup?"
"It adds fat to her. Each of the items needs to be mixed except for the hay. She will need to have hay and water in front of her consistently. And the special mixture in the morning and in the evening. You don't need to give it to her unless I am not here to do it. Both stalls need to be cleaned daily with fresh bedding once a week. Do you have a halter and lead for her."
"That will be 15 gold for both." Gruffnar grumbles as he grabs up a hemp halter from the side wall. "That better be one big elk."
"Let me look at them. The information on the mixture alone is worth money in itself so quit your griping. You'll just need to do a little extra work. Think of the better prices you can get for a horse that is in great condition. I remember Fearomen would set his own prices, and no one would argue with him because they knew his horses were the best." Borazon tells him.
"Here you go. You've got a point, but I don't have the land to raise any." Gruffnar says as he hands the equipment to Borazon.
"This will do fine. Alright. You don't need much just take better care of the ones you have. Why don't you go and get what I told you she needs, and I'll go turn in the heads for the bounty."
"Bounty?"
"Yeah, I found some dead bandits."
"So that's where you got that new Axe?"
"I took this off a bandit."
"I'll trade you the nag for it."
"Nope we already have a deal."
"It was worth a try."
"Samuel why don't you take care of Nelly and I'll be right back."
"Yes sir."
"What is this I hear about a dead Bandit?" A female elf in fine robes asks as she walks in with a guard at her side.
"Yes. My grandson and I came across some bandits and claim law of bounty for them."
"So, you killed them?"
"No ma'am. I believe that they had been killed by vampires." Borazon answers as he leans on Ember's stall as if to say, "I am no threat."
"You killed the vampires?" She asks him while she glances over at the war axe on his back.
"No. We came across the dust two days ago and when we went back to get more, we found the bandits."
"Do you know who killed the vampires?"
Borazon just shakes his head no.
"And your proof of them being dead?"
"We sold the dust to Zira and the Bandit's heads are in the cart with the armor we are going to trade." Borazon says as he points to Nelly's cart.
The woman goes to the cart and looks in with disgust. "I see how you concluded that they were killed by vampires. Well dead is dead. Here is your 300 gold for them. And who are you so that I can record it properly?" The woman remarks as she looks Borazon up and down.
"My name is Borazon, and this is my grandson Samuel and whom do I have the pleasure of dealing with."
"I am Nenya the steward to the jarl." Nenya answers then orders. "Guard take the heads to the Priest."
"Yes ma'am." The guard replies as he takes the bag of heads from the cart.
"And I take it those weapons are law of bounty?"
"Yes."
"I see that you brought in an elk. As you are new to Falls Creek you may not have known that the Jarl's house gets first choice of all game that is brought in for sale." Nenya coldly remarks.
"I didn't sell it I traded it for room and food. The next one is already traded for a couple of stalls and food for my animals." Borazon answers as he watches the guard leave with the heads and another one come in to take his place and thinks. "Smart she had backup. If she is half as smart as I think she is there more out there or even in here hiding. I know I would." At that last thought Borazon gives a quick glance around and spots a guard trying to hide in the shadows of the back door.
"Why are you here?"
"My grandson and I are just starting out as traveling merchants. He collects and sells herbs while I hunt and protect him." Borazon answers as he makes sure to stay inside the stall by petting Ember.
"Are we your first stop?"
"No ma'am. I sold herbs to Genny in River Run." Samuel speaks up as he copies his grandfather's actions.
"I sold some wolf furs to Lucus Vale the blacksmith while Delfine at the Inn bought the meat." Borazon informs her.
"You say you are just starting out."
"Yes ma'am. We had to leave my home after my parents were murdered." Samuel quietly tells her while trying to keep the pain from his tone but fails as his voice cracks just a little.
"I am sorry for your loss. Are you staying long?"
"A week at the least. And depending on how well Ember here is doing I may have to stay longer as she is not ready for any long trips." Borazon says as he pets his new mare.
"Then I wish to buy the one after that if they look half as good as the last one."
"I'll see what I can do. Not that I am complaining but why aren't the hunters getting the game here?
"In honor of the new jarl the hunters are going after Bear up north and it may be a while before they return." Nenya response then leaves.
"Cold, isn't she?" Gruffnar remarks once the woman is out of ear shot unaware of the guard's presence in the shadows.
"Actually, if I were a jarl's steward, I would be doing exactly what she is doing. I am new and have been here twice in two days. She more than likely already gathered information on me and my grandson from others and now is checking into us for herself. I can respect that." Borazon states as he adds more hay to Embers empty manger knowing full well that the guard was still there but made no move to show he knew. Then takes her bucket and fills it full of water from the rain barrel outside.
"You looking to take her job?" Graffnar hopefully asks.
"No. I told her almost the whole truth. Where are your horse brushes?" Borazon bluntly answers as he places the bucket into the manger in the stall."
"In the chest over there. What are you holding back." Graffnar suspiciously asks as he eyes Borazon's actions.
Borazon looks from side to side as though he was making sure no one else was listening while motioning Gruffnar to come closer. "I am looking for…" He pretends to look around again. "A place big enough to raise my own horses." Borazon reveals with a huge shit eating grin and a wink at his grandson who tries to hide a laugh with a cough but fails.
"Is that all?" Gruffnar growls as he realizes he had one pulled over on him. While in the shadows the guard tries to hold back a laugh.
Now shouldn't you be going and getting what Ember needs." Borazon tells him as he gets out the brushes for Ember.
"Alright I am getting. Bossy old man." Gruffnar mutters with a smile.
"If you start taking better care of these animals you have, I might give you some more advice on how to run a stable like Fearomen." Borazon says as he starts to brush Ember and watches Gruffnar turn to leave and the guard duck out just before Gruffnar sees him.
"Grandpa I was thinking that I should buy and keep a ledger for what we sell, to whom and how much. But also, a journal." Samuel says as he copies Borazon but brushes Nelly.
"That would be a good idea. You could also keep notes in it for what your certain people are looking for." Borazon remarks that he likes how much more Samuel is talking than when he first found him the weeks back when he hardly said one word. "I am thinking I might pick up some smok weed."
"That's better than that marryweed you have been smoking."
"I'll save that for really bad days."
"Good idea. While we are at the store, I would like to pick up a few linen and burlap bags or at least the stuff to make them."
"For your Herbs?" Borazon asks as he notices that the guard had returned to ease drop in on them.
"That and the Wolfvane I think having it in a more breathable bag will help keep our scent from the vampires."
"Good idea. We might want to add that to the animals too. As they might be able to track them."
"I never would have thought of that. Do you think Chrissy will catch up to us soon?"
"I don't know I hope so."
For the next little bit, the two worked and talked about what they may need in their new business with the guard listening in. The guard left shortly before Gruffnar returned with most of what Borazon asked for.
"Couldn't find anyone who had extra syrup. Would moon sugar work?"
"Only as treats in small amounts once in a while it's too hard on their stomachs if it's eaten in large amount or too often." Borazon tells him as he proceeds to start making the mixture by cutting cabbages into equal parts and mixing them with equal portions of the wheat and oats. "I'll have to buy a bucket to get some for myself. Come on Samuel lets feed them a few carrots and apple or two. Then we should head over to the General store and see about some supplies."
"Okay." Samuel says as he feeds Nelly an apple.
When the two are finished with the animals they head over to the general store and are able to trade the bandit armor for several of the items they would need. They went to the Blacksmith to buy a pack for Ember but Lod didn't have one so Borazon traded a few of the knives from the bandits for some leather and leather strips so he could make a temporary one. Afterwards they headed back to the Inn for some food along with some relaxation and rest. Lavinia showed up again to play cards with Samuel while Borazon smoked on his pipe until it was time for them to go to bed.
Day 8
Falls Creek
In the morning Borazon and Samuel went and got both Nelly and Ember. Nelly didn't care one way or another when she met the horse. Ember on the other hand kept trying to eat at Nelly's long thick wool to which Nelly just would head butt Ember with her horns just enough to make the horse think twice about it. They then went to Zira's and picked up another box of bottles for Samuel to collect certain herbs for her. This time they went out the other gate as Zira had told Samuel she could use some bees, bees wax and there were several beehives out that way. As they leave Borazon takes note that they were being watched by Nenya and the same guard that had been watching them the day before.
"Report." Nenya asks as she watches the two leave.
"He and his grandson spoke about the business they were starting and what they need and what it may lead up to."
"That is?"
"The Grandfather wants to buy some land and raise horses seems he worked for some famous stable master in Riften." The guard answers.
"Did you get his name?"
"Who?"
"The Stable master."
"I think it was Fear something."
"Fearomen?"
"Yeah, that was it."
"Interesting. What else?"
"They worried about someone called Chrissy."
"Relation to them?"
"Not that I could hear."
"Anything else."
"So far everything matches up with the things we know about them."
"Keep an eye on them when they return."
"You think they maybe trouble."
"Not sure at this moment but I find it a little bit to convenient that they found those vampires than the bandits." Nenya remarks then leaves with a little blonde girl following her closely while the child copied the female elf's stance and walk.
While not even a mile away Ember enjoyed getting out and eating fresh grass while Borazon found the right tree and took very little time notching out of it and setting the rig to collect some sap for a syrup. Samuel found the beehives and not only got the bees, and bees wax but a few bottles of honey. A few hours afterwards Borazon was able to shoot and kill a good size bull elk.
"What is it grandpa?" Samuel says as he comes along side Borazon who was putting the finishing touches on a makeshift pack saddle for Ember.
"I figure Ember's old owner must have been a hunter." Borazon says as he puts the old blanket he had been using as a sleeping pad on Ember then carefully places the Bull elk, he had just got on it and is very surprised.
"Why do you say that?" Samuel asks as he walks up to his grandfather.
"Look at how the scent of a fresh kill doesn't bother her." Borazon says as he points to how Ember just kept eating on the grass as though she didn't have a care while he ties the elk to the make-shift pack saddle.
"Yeah."
"Most horses and goats don't like the smell of fresh blood as it usually will draw in predators." Borazon explains.
"Then it's good I just finished filling up Nelly's cart. Guess what I found."
"The herbs you were sent to find." Borazon teases.
"And 5 adult jaffa beans bushes."
"Let me guess you picked them all."
"Of course, not I only picked about a total of 3."
"I would have thought you would have picked them all."
"No, I left them for more to grow and for other animals. I did manage to get two starts of baby bushes and when we get our own place, we can grow them there for you and Chrissy."
"With Chrissy's luck we should grow Wolfvane where we end up living."
"I already got some starts." Samuel says as they start walking towards Falls Creek.
"Have you figured out where you are going to keep them until we do find a place."
"I will buy some small buckets and tie them to the cart. When it's cold we take them into the Inn with us."
"If you keep picking the herbs Zira wants, she won't need you for a while."
"Actually, that is fine. I was thinking we could go back to River Run for a few days with a full cart to sell to Genny."
"And check on Chrissy?"
"Yeah."
"That would give me a chance to buy or trade for a good pack saddle." Borazon says as he retires his makeshift one together better to fit the weight of the elk on Ember, so it doesn't hurt her.
"Now that's an elk. Gruffnar says as he puts down his pitchfork and walks over to Borazon when they arrive back later that day.
"Yes, he is at the perfect age. Not to old not to young." Borazon remarks. "It's good to see Embers and Nelly's stall cleaned."
"I didn't just do theirs. I got the other 4 done. I just don't know what to do with all this crap." Graffnar says as he indicates the full cart of literal crap.
"Why don't you sell or trade it to the local farmers. It's good for their crops." Samuel says just before he heads to Zira shop to sell his herbs.
"You have one smart boy."
"I know." Borazon says then asks as he indicates the elk on Ember. "Where do you want this?"
"I set up the back stall just for cutting that. I am just glad you two made it back."
"Why? Has something happened?" Borazon asks as he takes and hangs the elk in the back stall.
"Yeah, Sandra just found her old man Welline dead. He lived out in the direction you went this morning."
"Vampires?" Borazon asks while he is putting Ember back in her stall and feeding her.
"Doubt it. He was ripped apart."
"Bear maybe."
"He was inside his house and the door was shut. He is like the third one in the past 3 months."
"3?"
"Yeah, your horse's owner was on his way back to his place when he was ripped apart. Then there was another one, but we don't know who he was."
"Could be bandits making look like it's something else." Borazon interjects as he cuts the horns off of the elk.
"Huh?"
"Years ago, bandits were terrorizing a small town out east. They had the whole town believing it was Werewolves when it was just the bandits dressed up in Wolf hides. They used other tricks to convince them too. But a few smart people figured it out and took out the bandits." Borazon explains after he finished putting the elk on the hooks.
"Doubt it. There have been animals found the same way." Are you sure I can't have those I could make a nice knife handle with them."
"How often are the attacks? If you want them, you have to ask Samuel. But you are right they would make nice knife handle may be even a sheath too."
"1 a month seems like. Let him know I am interested in them."
"Does anyone know when they were attacked?"
"Lots of guesses but no one knows for sure."
"What does the jarl say?"
"He says he'll have the hunters deal with it when they return."
"Hey, you got a place I can clean up?"
"Yeah, there is a basin just out the back door close to the Privy."
"Thanks." Borazon says as he heads out the back door to clean up and use the privy.
When Borazon is done with himself, he heads back in to make sure Ember and Nelly's stalls were stocked with hay and water. Borazon works on his mixture this time he was able to add some Maple sap. Ember happily eats every bite while Borazon brushes her. Samuel shows up with Nelly a short while later. Samuel undoes Nelly's cart and leads her into her stall.
"Well?" Borazon asks.
"She bought almost everything?" Samuel says as he brings to brush out Nelly who happily chops away on her food.
"Why not everything?"
"I kept some of the honey I collected along with all my starts. She would like me to get her some starts too. Thought I might get a good price for the honey at the Inn." Samuel tells him.
"Think Valga might make some sweet rolls or HoneyNutters with it."
"I hope." Samuel says with a big smile.
"With as well as you are doing here, I am surprised there aren't more herb merchants."
"They have to know what to pick and when or they could ruin the potion that the herbalist is going for. Mom used to take me out with her when she picked." Samuel explains.
"I remember. You had been going out with her less than a week after you were born." Borazon smiles.
"How do you know? Mom said you didn't come by then." Samuel asks.
"I came buy I just made sure no one saw me. You saw how her father didn't like me because I was a Stormcloak."
"But why didn't he like me?"
"Because he is an idiot and idiots can't handle smart people." Borazon answers but thinks. "He was just a greedy bastard who didn't understand what a wonderful kid you are. He thought the land was the treasure, but I know you are the real treasure."
"So that makes you smart."
"If you say so." Borazon says with a huge smile on his face. They spend the next hour tending to the animals.
"Do you think it will be cold tonight?" Samuel asks with a smile knowing who loved him.
"Keep your starts in the cart tonight but cover them with your old bed roll for now. Though you should as Graffnar if they'll be safe here and if it's okay."
"Okay." Samuel says as he was told. "Graffnar is it okay if I keep a few of my herbs supplies here and will they be safe?"
"No problem kid as long as you keep them in the cart. No one is going to touch them here. I live back there, and I lock up tight." Graffnar answers as he points to a door off to the side.
"Thanks, you have a good night." Borazon tells Graffnar who was still busy with his elk.
"Thank you and good night." Samuel tells Graffnar.
"You too." Graffnar mutter's as he set to work cleaning the elk.
Samuel and Borazon head back to the Inn for another quiet night. Samuel worked on his bags until Lavinia showed up to play cards again. Borazon quietly watched the two while he worked on a journal of his own that was until the children dragged him into their game. It was during the middle of the round of cards that Lavinia's mother showed up again to get her. Then they all headed off to bed.
Day 9
Falls Creek
Borazon and Samuel woke up early and got ready. After eating their breakfast, they found that down pour of rain prevents them from leaving the town. To keep busy Samuel worked on the bags and spoke with Zira about the different types of herbs and potions that they might used to deter Vampires. While Samuel was with Zira, Borazon sat on the porch of the inn watching the rain while working sharpening and cleaning his weapons. That is where the old Jarl found him.
"I remember you. You are Borazon a great Stormcloak warrior." Thane Dareniton remarks as he sits next to Borazon.
"Jarl.. I am sorry I mean Thane. I am Borazon but I am not a Stormcloak anymore. I have retired to take care of my grandson."
"You are a good man. I would still be Jarl if they hadn't .. It's all about them working with the Empire. They want to control my land. The Elves are planning to attack. Some think it will come from over the hills, but my Ancestor will not allow that. Family legend says that he had himself cursed to forever watch over this land by sleeping with Necktara the Infernal of Blood and Darkness. The price of his protection is we have several big farms over by the hills. There those are his. No one dared to touch them for fear of his wrath. If you believe that old wise tale. Truth is no one here likes the taste of those pigs but the old farmer that lives there never runs out of money yet never sells his pigs." The Thane rambles.
Borazon just keeps working on his blade and listens.
"That Zira your grandson keeps talking too I know she is sending messages to someone. There is the Steward, she is an elf and not to be trusted. She has the guards sneaking about doing things here and there. Then there is the Blacksmith. I know he is making extra weapons. He doesn't ever stop working. Yet who buys them.." The Thane mutters.
That last part does causes Borazon to look over at the blacksmith shop and see that the Thane was right about the Blacksmith Making weapons, but Borazon doesn't say a word.
"Then there is the stores of extra food.. They think I am crazy with my talk. Yet I know it is their fault I am no longer jarl and just a thane. I'll tell this I have plans to take back what is rightfully mine."
"How?"
"It's best not to talk about it here where everyone can hear… Oh look the that was lighten…Who are you by the way. I am the Jarl of the town." The old Thane says as looks at Borazon curiosity.
"I am Borazon just a hunter."
"Good to meet you.. I don't seem to remember you.. I just got back."
"There you are…Father it's time for lunch.."
"Oh yes. Lunch but who are you?"
"I am Dere you Daughter… Why don't you go with Leery your maid and she'll take you home.
"Okay." The Thane says as he leaves in blank state with the older woman.
"I am sorry if he was bugging.." Dere says with a sad smile.
"He was not. He seems well then not so.." Borazon says as he let the words hang.
"My father isn't well in the head for a few months now don't take to heart what he rambles about." Dere tries to explain.
"I understand and I wish you the best."
For the next three days the rain kept them in town. Borazon and Samuel got into a small routine of getting up, eating and taking care of their animals. Borazon would even help clean with some chores in the Stable to pass the time. While Samuel would either spend time with Zira or Lavinia. They even had supper with Lavinia's family.
Day 12
Falls Creek
It wasn't until the third morning that they woke in, got ready, and were able to go out. With the promise of some fresh honey Samuel convinces Graffnar to let him store his starts in Nelly's stall so that they would be out of the way. They headed out the same gate as before so Borazon could get more maple for his mixture and Samuel could get more bees. While Samuel was busy with his herbs Borazon brought down another nice elk. The day went quite nicely as they had Chrissy style sandwiches for lunch on their way back to Falls Creek.
"I got a couple of more starts for the wolfvane and jaffa beans bushes." Samuel happily told Borazon.
"That is great now all I need to do is find a place for us." Borazon says.
"Why haven't you talked to the old jarl?"
"We spoke the other day. He kept ranting about his ancestor being cursed, a plot by the empire to have him removed. He doesn't seem well." Borazon answers.
"What about the new jarl?"
"Can't trust the greedy child. We have to have the right leverage on him or else he will take all our gold." Borazon explains.
"Huh?"
"With men like him you need something he doesn't want to get out to hold over him until you get what you want." Borazon explains just before they reach the gates of Falls Creek. "But let's keep that between us."
"Okay."
"Why don't you go and take care of business at Zira's and I'll take this to the steward." Borazon says as he sees that Nenya was waiting outside the jarls lodge.
"See you there." Samuel replies as he and Nelly walks off towards Zira's shop.
"This is as nice as the one you got the other day." Nenya remarks as she examines the dead animal. "200 gold."
"Make 300 and I get the hide, horns, and brain."
"250 and we keep all of it."
"250 and I keep the horns. My Grandson always gets to keep the horns for his herbs." Borazon flatly tells her.
Nenya nods her head and hands him the money while she indicates to a guard to take the elk. Once the deal was done Borazon heads back to the stable and puts Ember away. Gives her food and a good brush down then heads for the rain barrel.
"I don't believe it! A Dragon attacked White Run." A guard remarks to another guard as they were walking by Borazon who was waiting for Samuel.
"Did you just say a Dragon attacked White Run?" Borazon asks.
"Actually, the traveler said a Dragon attacked White Run's western watchtower but was killed by the Dragonborn." The other guard corrected the first.
"And get this the Dragonborne is a little woman. I find that hard to believe." The first guard laughs in disbelief.
"How do they know this girl is the Dragonborne?" Borazon asks even though his mind was screaming "Chrissy"
"The traveler said that this little whip of a girl took the head of a dragon off with a shield!" The second guard tells him.
"Now I know he was pulling my leg because who would use a shield instead of a sword." The first guard sneers.
"She shoved her swords into the Dragon's tail to pin it to the ground." The second guard argued with the first.
"Where is this traveler now?" Borazon asks.
"The Inn more than likely." The guard answers.
"Grandpa did you hear?!" Samuel comes pulling Nelly very fast.
The blood curdling scream of a child pierces the evening air followed by unearthly growling and howling. They all freeze and turn towards where the sound came from.
"That was Lavinia!" Samuel cries.
"Stay here!" Borazon orders.
"But Lavinia!" Samuel cries.
"Stay here I'll go check." Borazon says as he pulls his axe from his back while he is running towards the sawmill. But Samuel doesn't listen as he runs after his grandfather and pulls out his knives.
Even with all the years of battle did nothing to prepare him for the horror he saw when he came around the corner. What was left of poor Lavinia was being mauled by the largest wolf Borazon had ever seen. The creature shrugged off the guards' attacks as though they were fly bothering a giant. Borazon watched frozen horror as his grandson ran past him and shoves his knives into the creature's backside. After the creature had swatted Samuel into a building with a sickening crunch when it screeched out in pain from the young boy's blade, was Borazon able to come down onto the creature with his own axe.
"So, you only like to go after the weak. Come on after this old man!" Borazon cried out as he hit the creature in the side with the axe causing it to stumble back and slashing one of its eyes. "You don't like it when someone is as strong as you."
The creature growls in anger searching for whoever hit him by sniffing the area. A guard moves and the creature goes to attack him but meets the flat of Borazon's axe in the face and is knocked back. Borazon steps in front of the guard. "Stay behind me. I have wolfvane on he can't smell me." Borazon tells the guard without taking his eyes off the creature.
"What is it?" The guard asks in fear.
"I think it's a werewolf. Do you see my grandson?"
"Yeah, he's on the ground next to the jarls lodge." The guard tells him.
"I want you to go and get him to safety while I deal with this thing."
"Are you nuts?"
Borazon just nods his head.
"He'll smell me."
"My grandson is wearing Wolfvane too."
"Okay."
"On the count of 3. 1…. 2…3….." Borazon says as he attacks the creature while the guard grabs the boy and takes him inside the jarl's lodge.
The Beast goes for the guard, but Borazon takes a step up swings the axe into its face as he loudly says. "Bad Beastie no biscuit for you!"
Man, and Beast circled each other in an ancient dance of death. The Beast was sniffing for its prey as one of Borazon's hits had slashed one of its eyes and the other was blurry. Borazon keeps stepping into the creature's blind side. With the length of the battle axe Borazon was able to stay out of the reach of the creatures claws and still slash the creature. The battle between beast and man brought out more citizens. Some who would use cold magic spikes on the creature when it got to close to Borazon. While others shot at it with arrows and fire spells. Borazon went to give a killing blow but slips in some of poor Lavinia's remains this puts Borazon right in the sight of the Werewolf and it jumps on him. Reflexively Borazon brings up his axe handle just before the creature could bite him and all it got was a mouthful of ebony handle which hurts it bad. The werewolf yips and whines in pain as it slightly pulls back from the axe as if it had broken its own jaw.
To add insult to more injury at that moment a very pissed off goat charges in who's thick rounds horn connect to the werewolf broken jaw sending it back off of Borazon. Nelly the war goat put herself between its down human master and the Werewolf. The war goat only felt the need to kill what was in front of her for harming her favorite human. Borazon got up and stood with an axe raise next to Nelly the war goat.
War Goat and man stood side by side ready and willing to die to take this creature down. The Werewolf took a step back as the War goat and Man steps forward. The werewolf hair bristled as if about to attack. Nelly lowered her head and bared her horn while she hooved the ground with one hoof as if to say "Bring it pup! I got something for you."
The werewolf growls in return while jumping at the foolish meat that would try to stand against him but a crazed lightning bolt spell from a priest sent the creature back into the wall of the sawmill. While the wild blast also knocked both Nelly and Borazon back into the wall of the jarls lodge. Seeing that there were too many for it to fight, the wolf ran through the closest gate into the night.
"Sorry about my aim my son I haven't had to do that in a while. Are you alright?" The priest asks Borazon as he helps him up.
"It got away!" Borazon screams in frustration.
"Yes, but we can get it later. It is not smart to go after it now. You are bleeding."
"It's not mine. That thing killed Lavinia and I slipped in her remains." Borazon breathes heavily as he points toward what was left of the girl.
"Oh, poor child." The Priest says as he bends down and starts to pray over her.
"Did you get it?" The guard who took Samuel asks as he comes back out.
"No, it's still on the loose." Borazon answers then demands. "Where is my grandson?"
"Close the gates!" Nenya the steward orders than says. "Your grandson is inside being tended to by the healer."
"Thank you." Borazon says as he heads into the jarl's lodge.
"What happened out there?" A young man hiding behind a chair demands.
"I am not sure my jarl." Nenya replies.
"A werewolf attacked and killed Lavinia." A guard says causing Nenya to cover her mouth in horror, while the guard continues. This man and his goat fought it."
"Well, that was brave of you." The jarl coldly says.
"Where is my grandson?" Borazon demands as he franticly looks around.
"He is upstairs with the healer." The jarl says as he points some stairs lead up which causes Borazon to run up there.
"How is he?" Borazon asks the healer who was using magic to heal him.
"He cracked his skull, but I was able to stop the bleeding. Now I am doing what I can, but you must leave I need to concentrate." The healer tells him, but Borazon doesn't move as he just stares at his grandson.
"You must leave him for now. He is getting the best care." Nenya says but when he doesn't respond she pulls him out of the room and closes the door.
"Go tend to your animal's needs. I will personally let you know when you can visit." Nenya tells him to which Borazon just slowly walks away.
"Borazon I found this." Graffnar says as he hands Borazon, Samuel's glass knife. "I think it's your grandson's."
"It is." Borazon remarks as he takes the glass knife in his hands and just stares at it. "He shoved it into that thing even before I could get close."
"Take him to the Inn make sure he eats then tend to his animals." Nenya orders Graffnar who just nods his head and is about to walk Borazon out the door when they are pushed aside by a very angry goat.
"What is the meaning of that creature being in here? Get it out!" The jarl demands.
"I am not messing with that goat it took on a Werewolf!" One of the guards' remarks as he quickly made himself scarce.
The goat doesn't listen, she looks all around then runs up the stairs where Samuel is and starts head butting the door until it is opened. A healer is knocked aside and Nelly climbs on the bed next to the boy. The Healer goes to move the goat and almost gets bit for his trouble.
"Fine you can stay as long as you stay out of my way." The healer says as he resumes healing Samuel.